The following information was provided in response to a survey prepared by the Federal Court Practice Committee of The Florida Bar. This information is not binding on any judge or court official and may not be relied upon for precedential purposes. Further information may be found in the attachments (sample orders, etc.) referenced at the end of this Guide entry or on the court's website noted below.

Other than procedures adopted by the U.S. Marshal's Service relating to access to a federal courthouse, do you have any additional procedures to be followed for the use of cell phones, laptops, or other electronics?

Is there a designated court staff person to contact relating to the use of electronic media or other audiovisual needs?

*Always verify with the Clerk of Court or the U.S. Marshal's Service as to any procedures relating to the use of cell phones or other electronic devices at the courthouse.

(in addition to Local Rules or CM/ECF procedures applicable in the District)

Do you have a preferred method for counsel to correct an electronically filed document that inadvertently contains personal information (as prohibited by Fed.R.Civ.P. 5.2)?

Do you have a preferred method governing the filing of sealed documents?

Do you prefer that (non-trial) exhibits be filed as separate docket entries (instead of filing them as attachments to the document they support)?

When filing documents with multiple attachments (e.g., the petition and schedules), do you prefer that the document be filed such that it is displayed with bookmarks within the PDF image? (This question only applies if such filing is available as a format for filing attachments in your District.)

Do you prefer that (non-trial) exhibits and depositions be filed conventionally as well as on CM/ECF?

&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbspIf YES, do you require more than one copy to be filed?

Do you prefer to have proposed orders (other than those required to be filed in the case) submitted as an attachment to documents filed in CM/ECF, or do you prefer to receive them by email or another method?

Should proposed orders be submitted in a format which can be edited, or is a PDF version acceptable?

When other parties have consented to a motion, do you prefer that the consent is stated in the motion or do you prefer a separately filed notice of consent?

Do you have any requirements, beyond those found in the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, or any Local Rules, as to motions for enlargement of time or motions for continuance?

&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbspIf YES, what do you require? Yes. Continuances for hearings on motion calendars may be requested by an agreed motion for continuances filed with a proposed order. If the parties do not agree, the motion for continuance will be set for hearing. Continuances for specially set matters will not be continued absent extraordinary circumstances. Such continuances will not be granted ex parte without a hearing even if agreed. Pretrial conferences for adversary proceedings are permitted only one continuance, such continuance will not generally be granted ex parte without a hearing even if agreed. An agreed enlargement of time will be granted unless it interferes with a hearing or trial date. See Local Rule 5071-1.

Should copies of cases cited in motions and memoranda be forwarded to chambers?

&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbspcopies of published cases? Yes

&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbspcopies of unpublished opinions? Yes

If copies of cases are submitted, do you accept copies that have portions highlighted by counsel? Yes

What is your practice or policy when counsel fails to serve opposing parties with motions within the times set forth in the rules or your orders? I will sanction the attorney, continue the matter, and/or take appropriate steps to insure the opposing party is not prejudiced.

What do you consider to be an emergency matter? An emergency matter is one where the requested relief requires immediate action.

How does one request emergency relief? See Local Rule 9075-1. It is critical that the motion state clearly the nature of the emergency and when the hearing must be conducted to avoid irreparable harm.

When a dispute arises during a deposition, is it appropriate to call chambers to seek an immediate ruling? Yes

For which matters is the use of negative notice acceptable? See Local Rules 3007-1(C), 4001-1(C), 6004-1(B), 6007-1(B)(1), and 9013-1(D).

What is your preferred method for a party to request a hearing date? See Local Rule 9073-1.

When you schedule a hearing, do you state whether the hearing will be evidentiary (if Fed.R.B.P. 9014(e) has not been implemented)?

Under what circumstances do you allow telephonic hearings? Telephone appearances are permitted for routine matters but are not permitted for evidentiary hearings, chapter 11 confirmation hearings, or for matters on a Chapter 13 calendar. Telephonic appearances before Judge Hyman can be arranged by calling CourtCall, an independent conference call company, at (888) 882-6878 not later than 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on the court day prior to the hearing date. Please see Judge Hyman's information webpage at www.flsb.uscourts.gov for additional information regarding the Court's requirements and procedures for telephonic appearances.

Under what circumstances do you require the debtor's attendance at a hearing? None, other than when the debtor is subpoenaed.

Do you grant pro hac vice admission on oral request at hearings?

What is your practice or policy when counsel fails to provide opposing counsel with copies of proposed exhibits prior to hearing or trial? I will sanction the attorney, continue the matter, and/or take appropriate steps to insure the opposing party is not prejudiced.

Will you entertain motions in limine prior to trial? Yes

&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbspIf YES, how far in advance should they be filed? Motions in limine should be filed as far in advance as possible and appropriate.

What is your preference regarding the use of alternative dispute resolution methods such as arbitration or mediation? See Local Rule 9019-2. Mediation

What should lawyers avoid at all costs when appearing before you (other than the obvious: don't be late, do be courteous, etc.), i.e., do you have any “pet peeves”? I do not entertain any oral or ex parte communications. Do not write letters or call regarding cases. Federal Rule of Bankruptcy Procedure 9003 prohibits ex parte communications with the judge by any party in interest regarding any matter affecting a particular case. The title of proposed orders should use the words granted or denied. Do not simply state order "on". Also, please refer to the date of the hearing in the first line of the order. Do not contact chambers or the courtroom deputy for a hearing date/time if your motion has not been filed. Make sure that you file a certificate of service for the notice of hearing in which you certify that you conferred with opposing counsel in an effort to resolve the matter. You should be familiar with and follow the local rules and the information contained on the court's website. Please proofread orders which you submit to the Court. Orders with the wrong judge's name or initials, grammatical mistakes or numerous typographical errors reflect poorly on your diligence and professionalism. Remember that Local Rule 9019-1 adds certain requirements when you seek approval of settlements on negative notice. Specifically, you must either attach a copy of the settlement to the Certificate of No Response or describe the basic terms of the settlement in the Certificate.

Do you have any other practice pointers, advice, observations, or suggestions for members of the Bar appearing before you?